Find Jobs
Find Jobs Near You – Available Work in Your Location
Find & Apply For Farm / Ranch Manager Jobs in Des Moines, Iowa
Browse jobs from a variety of sources below, sorted with the most recently published, nearest to the top. Click the title to view more information and apply online.
Skip to job details
Now viewing: Farm Manager
C
Confidential
Farm Manager
Choose a Location
This role is available in multiple locations. Pick one to apply.
Job Description
About the Opportunity Our company operates a planting, small grain seeding, and tillage operation based in Pasco, WA. We are seeking a hands-on, results-driven Farm Manager to run the day-to-day operation. This role is responsible for managing personnel, equipment, scheduling, billing, maintenance, and all other resources needed to complete timely, high-quality planting, seeding, and tillage work while maximizing the profitability of the operation. This is a confidential search; the company name will be shared with qualified candidates during the interview process. The Farm Manager is the go-to technical expert on planting, seeding, and tillage equipment and agronomic practices, and a leader who sets the standard for safety, integrity, and performance across the crew. During peak planting and fall tillage seasons, this is a demanding, time-sensitive job; the right candidate thrives on getting acres done right and on time when the window is open. This is more than a management job. The right candidate will have the opportunity to earn an ownership stake in the business, with additional performance-based equity as the operation grows and profitability targets are met. We are looking for someone who wants to build something and share in the results. Responsibilities Plan, schedule, and direct all planting, small grain seeding, and primary and secondary tillage work across multiple fields and locations to maximize acres completed per day while meeting agronomic timing and quality standards. Set and verify planting populations, seed and fertilizer placement, drill settings, and tillage depth for each field, and resolve issues in the field as they arise. Operate any piece of equipment as needed to keep the schedule on track and fill in for other operators. Track acres completed by field, maintain accurate job and field records, and provide timely, accurate information for cost tracking and reporting. Hire, train, motivate, and supervise equipment operators, truck drivers, and seasonal and temporary employees. Train personnel on company policies, procedures, equipment operation, and safety. Ensure planters, drills, tractors, tillage tools, and support equipment are calibrated, maintained, and field-ready before each season; coordinate preventive maintenance, in-season repairs, and parts inventory to minimize downtime. Oversee safe and legal transport of equipment between fields and locations, including route planning, pilot vehicles as needed, and compliance with state and federal regulations. Utilize John Deere's precision-ag tools to set up field boundaries, guidance lines, work plans, and prescriptions; capture as-applied planting and seeding data and maintain field records. Maintain John Deere's Operations Center with accurate data that is current. Where applicable, ensure legal and safe handling, application, and documentation of seed treatments, starter fertilizer, and any crop-protection products applied at planting. Assist ownership in developing annual capital and operating plans, pricing, and budgets for the operation, and ensure adherence to those plans. Explore adding sprayers and combines to our fleet, expanding farm operations into other geographical areas. Support other farm-related tasks and projects as needed in the off-season, including shop work, equipment rebuilds, and planning for the following year. Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Agricultural Systems, Ag Business, or a related field, or equivalent hands-on work experience. 5+ years of row-crop farming experience with direct, hands-on operation of planters, grain drills, and tillage equipment, plus relevant supervisory experience leading a high-performing crew. Strong working knowledge of planter and drill setup and calibration (population, singulation, down force, seed depth, closing systems) and modern John Deere precision-ag systems (GPS guidance, section control, advanced guidance, and Operations Center). Mechanical aptitude and the ability to diagnose and repair John Deere equipment and 3rd-party tillage tools in the field during critical timing windows. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, written and verbal, with the ability to work effectively with ownership, crew, customers, suppliers, and landowners. Bilingual Spanish skills a plus. Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office and the ability to continue developing expertise in the John Deere technology stack. Valid, in-state driver's license required. CDL (Class A) preferred, or ability to obtain within an agreed timeframe. Washington State pesticide applicator's license a plus, or ability to obtain. Must be able to accommodate a seasonal schedule: extended hours of 60-80 per week, including nights and weekends, during spring planting and fall tillage; a more standard schedule in the off-season. Working Conditions Combination of field, shop, cab, and office environments; significant time traveling between fields in the Pasco / Tri-Cities area and surrounding Columbia Basin. Exposure to weather, dust, equipment, and noise; occasional exposure to chemicals; PPE required in designated field or shop areas. Physical effort is periodic rather than sustained: walking fields, occasional lifting up to ~50 lbs, intermittent bending, climbing, or kneeling; use of controls, tools, and electronic devices. Highly seasonal workload with long days during peak planting and tillage windows and a lighter schedule in winter months. Compensation & Benefits Base salary: $90,000 to $110,000, commensurate with experience.